The Cuban influencer, Iraisel Pintueles, has stirred up social media once again by sharing a new video on Instagram promoting a gasoline microenterprise in Havana. This comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing one of its most severe fuel shortages in decades.
In the video, Iraisel enthusiastically guides her followers from the Malecón, along the port avenue, to the company's warehouses, explaining the purchasing process: “You arrive, make your invoice, complete the payment, and take your fuel without complications, with a team guiding you throughout the process.”
The microenterprise provides diesel and gasoline in 20 and 200-liter containers, tanker trucks for distribution, and home delivery service. According to Iraisel, “when it comes to something so crucial, trust, security, and good service make all the difference.”
The issue lies in the context: Cuba has been enduring power outages lasting up to four days, 15-hour queues at state gas stations, and informal market prices reaching 8,000 Cuban pesos per liter. The sight of warehouses brimming with available fuel for those who can pay in dollars has not been well-received.
Criticism poured in swiftly. The most liked comment, garnering 184 reactions, bluntly summarized: “Then they say the blockade is to blame, and look how there's everything, but not for the common people.” Another user, with 131 likes, directly requested “a little respect for the common folk, empathy for Cubans.” A third, with 89 reactions, sarcastically wondered: “Super easy... can a doctor go? Or a teacher? And can a retiree just pop over to get fuel?”
Some were more straightforward: “This type of advertising is outrageous for any Cuban living in Cuba and enduring all sorts of hardships.” Another hard-hitting comment stated: “Speechless... my brother walks to work every day because there's no fuel to transport workers... I wouldn't have the nerve or face to promote something I know most Cubans can't afford.”
The video was reposted on TikTok, where content creator @dallanayroman unreservedly labeled it: “This is an outright mockery... a woman is whitewashing the dictatorship.”
This isn't the first time. In June 2026, Iraisel was at the center of a similar controversy with an initial video for the same microenterprise, leading her to issue a lengthy defense of the company as “a private entity with foreign capital, with no connection to any person or government member.” Now, with the second video, the criticism has returned, even louder.
“Plenty of gasoline and diesel, and all of Cuba in darkness,” summarized another comment, capturing the mix of anger and resignation that defines the mood of many Cubans in response to this new controversy.
Understanding the Impact of the Fuel Crisis in Cuba
What is causing Cuba's current gasoline shortage?
Cuba's gasoline shortage is primarily due to the inefficiencies of its socialist regime, compounded by international sanctions and a lack of foreign currency to purchase fuel.
How are Cubans coping with the fuel crisis?
Cubans are enduring long queues at state gas stations, facing steep prices on the informal market, and dealing with frequent and prolonged power outages.
Why is Iraisel's promotion of the gasoline company controversial?
Iraisel's promotion is seen as insensitive because it highlights the availability of fuel for those who can pay in dollars, while the majority of Cubans struggle to access basic necessities.