It’s crunch time in Paris.  The upper house of the French Parliament is set to vote Friday night on reforms to their pension system including a hike in the retirement age.

While it’s expected to pass, the anger is not expected fade

The reform move has triggered some of the biggest protests France has seen in a few years.

Police today broke up a blockade at a key oil refinery serving Paris and Charles DeGaulle Airport.

The stranglehold on other refineries and some depots is still cutting off gas supplies. 20 per cent of French filling stations are dry, others are low.

French government officials met with oil execs looking for a way to boost supplies.  Both the oil industry in France and Air France say they’re losing millions of dollars due to the labor action.

While violence by young people tapered off today, more protests are planned for next week

That pension bill, which, by the way, increases the minimum retirement to the ripe old age of 62, has to get a final OK by both houses of parliament next week.

Analysts say while embattled French President Sarkozy probably has won this battle,  he also might’ve lost the economic war.

He has a lot more austerity moves planned to reduce deficits and debt in France.

He also stands for re-election in 2 years.

As he is now politically walking wounded, it’s not clear  how much French voter goodwill he can tap into.