A striker joins the blockade of a fuel storage depots to protest against pension reform on October 18 in Frontignan, France. STORY HIGHLIGHTS- Protesters oppose a government measure that would raise the retirement age to 62
- About 1,000 gas stations in France have run out of fuel
- President of petroleum industry union: France can always import more fuel
Paris, France (CNN) -- Many flights from several airports in France are expected to be canceled Tuesday in light of nationwide strikes that have taken a toll on fuel supplies and transportation.
Jean-Louis Shilansky, the president of the French Union of Petroleum Industries, said 10 of France's 200 fuel terminals were blocked Monday by protesters opposed to a government cost-saving move that would raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. French unions had said that production has stopped at 12 of the nation's refineries.
About 1,000 gas stations across France have run out of fuel because strikers had blocked access to oil refineries and depots, Alexandre de Benoist, a Union of Independent Oil Importers official, told CNN on Monday.
The work stoppages at refineries has had a direct effect on the two main Paris airports, Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Half the flights from Orly airport will be canceled Tuesday because of the strikes, and 30 percent of flights from other airports in the city will be canceled, the French aviation authority announced Monday.
Video: French fuel pumps running dry 
Video: French protesters point blame at Sarkozy RELATED TOPICS - France
- Labor Strikes and Disputes
- Nicolas Sarkozy
Both airports are supplied by a pipeline that comes directly from refineries that were shut down Friday, according to Trapil, the company that owns the line.
But Shilansky said that French airports are not in imminent danger of running out of fuel. If necessary, he said, France can always import more jet fuel.
French workers began their latest round of strikes a week ago, protesting against government plans to raise the retirement age and institute other pension reforms. The government, which contends that France can no longer afford the earlier retirement payments, has shown no sign of backing down.
Analysts say pension reform will likely be a defining moment in the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy.
A government crisis coordination task force met for the first time Monday to discuss the fuel situation, the Ministry of the Interior said. The group, to be led by Interior Minister Brice Hortefeaux, will aim to "coordinate the action of different state departments to ensure a continuous fuel supply."
Despite repeated national strikes over the controversial proposal, France's National Assembly approved Sarkozy's pension reform bill last week, which would raise the national retirement age.
The proposal passed 329 to 233, but still must pass the Senate to become law. The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday.
Workers from both the public and private sectors are on strike, including those in transportation, education, justice, hospitals, media and banking. Students demonstrated in sympathy with the strikers Monday, with 261 high schools in "a state of disruption," the Ministry of Education said. More demonstrations are scheduled for Tuesday.