Vitol, Trafigura, Mercuria and Gunvor are preparing for a long war scenario in the Middle East as Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trading houses have extended borrowing capacity to handle potential energy price surges while implementing measures to protect employee wellbeing during prolonged market volatility. Executors acknowledge the conflict's severity but remain prepared for all possible outcomes.

Trading firms rely on billions in credit lines to finance commodity movements, with a single supertanker carrying over 2 million barrels worth $200 million at current prices. These companies are becoming 'anti-fragile' with higher liquidity than before the conflict began, while also addressing trader burnout from managing extreme price fluctuations over seven weeks.

Despite the challenges, trading houses anticipate strong financial performance. Mercuria expects 25-50% return on equity this year, implying $2.3-3.2 billion in profits, while Gunvor made more gross profit in Q1 than its entire previous year of $1.6 billion. Many executives believe the next 60 days will be critical as markets reassess the severity of the energy crisis.