MILAN, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Italy's constitutional court gavethe green light on Tuesday to a national referendum on theduration of oil and gas drilling concessions in the country,muddying the waters for companies operating in the sector.
The referendum was requested by some regional governmentsand revolves around a law recently passed by parliament, as partof broader economic reforms, that states concessions alreadygranted should last until the oilfield in question is depleted.
By doing this, the court said, the length of a concessionhad to all extents and purposes been extended.
According to rules in Italy's constitution, the referendumapproved by the court should be held some time between April 15and June 15.
Italy is keen to lure oil and gas producers to its shores to help stimulate stagnating output that has contributed tohigher energy bills and dependence on imports.
But grassroots opposition to drilling and restrictive rulesand regulations, including a 12-mile ban around coasts exceptfor developers that already have permits in hand, has leftinvestors lukewarm, stifling investment.
Some of Italy's regional governments are opposed to drillingplatforms because of their impact on the environment and seismicstability.
Oil major Eni and Edison, controlled by Frenchutility EDF, are offshore leaders in Italy. Anglo-Dutchmajor Royal Dutch Shell and France's Total are also active in the country. (Reporting by Massimiliano Di Giorgio and Stephen Jewkes;Editing by Susan Fenton)