Abuja — Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum and Energy Matters, Dr. Edmund Daukoru has given August 2004 as the new date for the resumption of full operations by the nation's four refineries.

Daukoru, who heads the special monitoring committee on the rehabilitation and privatisation of the ailing refineries, told newsmen yesterday that the May deadline earlier set by government was no longer feasible due to renewed attacks and damages to crude oil supply pipelines.

He said the affected plants, Kaduna and Warri have been forced to either shut down or engage in minimal production.

"Repairs are currently being conducted on the crude oil pipelines supplying both Warri and Kaduna refineries and it is expected to be completed within the next three months," he said.