Kazakhstan threatens to pull Italian Eni's licence

Italian energy giant Eni is under pressure from the Kazakh government to give up control of the Kashagan oil field.

Eni says output at the field will start in 2010, five years behind schedule.

Kazakstan's government says it will not accept any financial burden related to the project's delay.

On Thursday, the country's Prime Minister said State-owned Kazmunaigas should take control of the project.

“According to Kazakh President’s orders and demands Kazmunaigas should be a co-operator. I will not say anything about percentages, at this stage,” stated Karim Masimov, Kazakh Prime Minister, in Astana, Kazakhstan.