Japan's benchmark Nikkei index topped the key 12,000-point level Wednesday for the first time in nearly 14 months as petroleum-related stocks -- advancing on the back of higher oil prices -- spurred a broader rally. The dollar gained against the yen and euro. The Nikkei 225 index rose above 12,000 points in early afternoon trading for the first time since April 28, 2004, when it closed at 12,004.29 points. Earlier, the index finished the morning session up 47.16 points, or 0.39 percent, at 11,987.36 points on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The broader TOPIX, which includes all issues on the exchange's first section, rose 4.09 points, or 0.34 percent, to 1,213.28. Stocks rallied across the board as oil-related issues rose amid soaring crude prices, which hit a record high of US$62.30 a barrel on Monday in New York due to the death of King Fahd in Saudi Arabia. AOC Holdings, Inc. gained 9 yen (8 cents) to 1,900 yen ($17), while Cosmo Oil Co. rose 20 yen (18 cents) to 534 yen ($4.78). Blue-chip exporter issues, including automakers, were also up on the dollar's strength. A stronger dollar helps Japanese exporters by boosting the value of their overseas profits. Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. -- which was to announce earnings later Wednesday -- were both higher at midday.