Observing mempool.space, I also don't really saw that many big consolidation transactions taking place.
Thus, I'm concluding that the activity rise this time is genuine Bitcoin transaction activity. It's not unlikely that it is related to the price increase in the last days. Retailers are returning slowly to get their share of Uptober, perhaps

?
Well, I also asked myself the same question, the reason for this increase in fees. I didn't find a logical reason, so maybe it's just that, the simple increase in BTC transactions.
It's a good sign when fees rise for this reason. It is a sign that the market is really moving.
very healthy sign. It is looking better these days my friend