Going gets tough for auto drivers Updated: Updated: 10% of them have become daily labourers, says union leader Share Article 10% of them have become daily labourers, says union leader Auto-rickshaw drivers are among the worst-hit by the steep fuel price hike that has come at a juncture when they are yet to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic blues. During the peak period, we were not able to operate for about three months and later we were asked to resume after following a strict protocol, laments an auto driver Ramana Murthy. Business is yet to pick up as passengers are reluctant to hire an auto and unwilling to pay the extra fare, he says.